House Speaker Paul Renner gives opening remark at 2024 Legislative sessions.
Video Source: Tallahassee Democrate
NYREADERS.COM - A Florida bill bans social media use for minors. The bill (HB 1), which has been a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, passed the House vote 108-7. This happened after the Senate voted 23-14 earlier in the day to pass the measure.
It would be among the nation's most restrictive for kids under 16.
The bill would prohibit children under 16 from creating accounts on at least some social media platforms; require platforms to delete existing accounts when they know or have "reason to believe" are possessed by kids under the age of 16; and give parents the ability to request that accounts belonging to minors be closed.
The bill specifies criteria for identifying whether platforms are subject to the restrictions. The criteria would include concerns with algorithms, "addictive features" and allowing users to view the material or actions of other users.
It would require platforms to use age verification before accounts are created, with the verifications also affecting adults. If an account holder cannot verify his or her age, the social media site has to cancel the account. Termination must be effective within 10 business days after such request.
Age-verification providers would face the same sanctions if they intentionally or carelessly failed to take reasonable care. Platforms might face civil liability of up to $10,000 if they fail to remove underage users on purpose or recklessly.
The bill designates any knowing violation by the social media platform as a "unfair and deceptive trade practice" punishable by civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, plus attorney and court expenses.
The bill specifies criteria for identifying whether platforms are subject to the restrictions. The criteria would include concerns with algorithms, "addictive features" and allowing users to view the material or actions of other users.
It would require platforms to use age verification before accounts are created, with the verifications also affecting adults. If an account holder cannot verify his or her age, the social media site has to cancel the account.
The bill would apply to platforms where children under 16 account for at least 10% of daily active users and spend at least two hours on the site.
